Life often changes after marriage – people buy homes, start families and invest in the future, but that doesn’t mean life is better after marriage. People may find that their spouse acts differently after marriage. They may become more controlling, they may hit you, insult you, steal, lie or even cheat on you.
Domestic violence can involve spouses, but children are not immune. Children can be physically and mentally abused just as much, if not more, than adults. There are long-term consequences that could change how your children mature. Here’s what you should know:
Physical abuse can leave obvious problems
Children who are being physically abused may have bruises, cuts, scrapes, broken bones and even internal bleeding. Children may not have clear signs of physical abuse, but instead, flinch at the slightest movement or avoid personal contact with others.
After experiencing physical trauma at a young age, children may have difficulties forming friendships with others. They may even seek out alcohol or drugs at a later age to null physical pain and avoid the emotional impact of their feelings.
Emotional abuse can also be destructive
Children are still growing mentally as much as they are physically. A child’s brain doesn’t finish growing until they are five years of age and can be impacted by their experiences at a young age. Psychological trauma may take on forms of name-calling, undermining, gaslighting or belittlement.
There may be physiological issues that cause a child to perform low in school preventing a child from growing to their full potential. Children may develop severe anxiety, OCD or paranoia because of emotional abuse at an early age.
Abuse can severely alter the way your children live and grow up. If your relationship is putting your well-being or the well-being of your kids in danger, then you may need to consider your options to know that the future of your children is safe.
